Gomti river dam break causes widespread flooding in Burichang's 5 unions

Many people has been stranded after villages in 5 Unions of Burichang Upazila were submerged due to the dam breach in Cumilla on Thursday (August 22) night.

Communication on the main road between the district and upazila headquarters is halted.

Confirming the matter on Friday (August 23) afternoon, Shahida Akhter, executive officer (UNO) of Burichang Upazila, said, "The dam broke at 1.00am, leading to severe damage to villages in five Unions of Burichong Upazila—Sholanal, Pirjatrapur, Burichang Sadar, Bakshimul, and Rajapur after submerged."

"They had to turn back from the erosion area in the morning as the main road is underwater. Various organizations, the fire service, and local residents are conducting rescue efforts," she added.

Earlier, heavy rains and runoff from India broke the dam at Burburiya in Sholanal Union, Burichang Upazila, yesterday. Water started flooding the area around 1.00 am, causing panic in nearby communities.

On Friday (August 23) morning, Khan Mohammad Waliuzzaman, executive engineer of Water Development Board in Cumilla said, "About 70 feet of the dam had broken by 6.00 am. The damage could increase as more water flows out."

Syed Arifur Rahman, officer in charge of Cumilla Meteorological Department, said, "The water remains above the dangerous level. On Thursday (August 22) at 1:00 pm, it was over 134 cm, and on Friday (August 23) at 6:00 am, it was above 129 cm."

Officials of the Water Development Board reported that in 1997, Gomti water flowed 96 cm above the boundary line. This flood has now surpassed that record from the past 27 years.